Bolton: Warburtons drivers vote in favour of strike action

And one driver told The Bolton News a walk-out could happen in the days running up to Christmas if there is no agreement.

Warburtons said the  "outcome of the ballot is incredibly disappointing".

Drivers for Warburtons were balloted on industrial action with a total of 65 per cent of the drivers, who are represented by the United Road Transport Union (URTU), taking part.

Two thirds voted in favour of industrial action – 68 per cent.

The union has notified the company and the two will now enter into further negotiations  in a bid to reach an agreement to stave off strike action.

One driver from Bolton who voted in favour says the dispute stems from both the pay and work/life balance.

READ MORE: Warburtons drivers set to vote over strike action over pay disputes

He said: “The company needs to understand the job has got harder and more work is being put on us every year.

“We start at 4am which is very tiring, and we work five weekends out of seven.

“Our union offered 6.7 per cent increase in the first year and 5.2 per cent in the second year which Warburtons refused to accept, so strike action will be happening.

“We have come down from the 10 per cent which the union wanted, but Warburtons will not budge on their 5 per cent offer. They are adamant they will not increase their offer.

“If they don’t come back with that offer on the second meeting we surely will be going on strike.

Warburtons has been baking bread in Bolton since 1876 and is the nation’s number one bakery brand, producing more than 2m products a day (Image: Warburtons)

The driver says that if it comes to it, strike action will take place on the week commencing Monday December 19.

The driver said customers could be affected by the action.

“The company needs to hear that the five per cent they’re offering isn’t enough for the cost of living we now face,” he added.

“They are in the top 10 companies of how much they make each year, just behind Coca Cola and Walkers.”

A spokesperson for Warburtons said: “We recognise the need to offer all our people competitive pay and remain fully committed to continuing negotiations with our drivers’ union.

“The outcome of the ballot is incredibly disappointing, but we will do everything we can to ensure we keep supermarket shelves stocked with fresh bread across the country.”

The URTU have been contacted for a comment. 

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